Chris Dehring and Minister Grange Announce Sabina Park Day/Night Test and Grassroots Funding

Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring and Jamaica’s Sports Minister Forge Strategic Path Ahead of Australia Tour

In what could prove to be a defining moment for the future of Caribbean cricket, Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring met with Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, on Monday, April 7, 2025. The high-level meeting, held in Kingston, focused on key initiatives that blend elite performance with grassroots cricket development. But most importantly, it signaled a new era of government-cricket board collaboration aimed at elevating West Indies cricket on and off the field.

The session was part of Dehring’s ongoing regional stakeholder engagement as he settles into his role at the helm of Cricket West Indies (CWI). With Australia set to return to Jamaica for the first time in 10 years, the significance of the visit couldn’t have been more timely. Dehring’s presence underscored not just excitement for the Test and T20 matches in July, but the critical conversations being had behind the scenes to ensure long-term sustainability for cricket in the Caribbean.

A Landmark Return: Australia at Sabina Park for a Historic Day/Night Test

One of the focal points of the discussion was the eagerly anticipated day/night Test match between West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park, scheduled for July 12–16, 2025. This will be the first-ever pink-ball Test in Jamaica, and a landmark moment for cricket in the region.

Sabina Park, steeped in history and legendary performances, is set for a revival. The announcement that the Jamaica Government will assist in installing new stadium lights is a massive win for the venue’s future viability for global fixtures. Dehring praised the government's support, stating, “We believe fans will enjoy the experience of what will be the first day/night, pink ball Test in Jamaica.”

From both a cricketing and commercial standpoint, the match is expected to draw global attention, given the rare spectacle of Australia playing a Test on Jamaican soil. It also allows the region to showcase its readiness to host more competitive and broadcast-friendly cricket events.

Strategic Investment: $100M Pledged for Grassroots and Women’s Cricket

While headline fixtures draw the crowds, Dehring and Grange both acknowledged that the true heartbeat of West Indies cricket lies in its grassroots. In a bold move, Minister Grange pledged a JMD 100 million investment (approx. USD 650,000) over five years into grassroots cricket across Jamaica. What’s notable about this initiative is its intentional focus on both boys’ and girls’ development pathways, addressing a long-standing gap in cricket investment at the foundational level.

Dehring, never one to mince words, called it a “massive move to reenergize the passion and desire for the game at the lower levels.” He also highlighted the opportunity this presents to harness Jamaica’s deep athletic talent pool, particularly among young women, stating that “the Caribbean stands to benefit tremendously and can play a dominant role in world cricket.”

This injection of funding will go towards infrastructure upgrades, coaching development, school programs, and competitions aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of West Indies cricketers. The emphasis on women’s cricket in particular aligns with CWI’s broader efforts to grow the women’s game, including increased domestic matches and better central contracts for top players.

Partnership in Purpose: Government and Cricket West Indies Align

What stood out from the dialogue was not just the commitments made, but the mutual respect and unified vision shared by the parties. Minister Grange, known for her long-standing involvement in sports advocacy, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “We, as a government, have demonstrated tangibly our commitment to the further development of cricket in Jamaica and the region.”

Grange also wished Dehring success in his new role, expressing confidence that his “experience and commitment augurs well for the advancement of West Indies cricket.” This goodwill forms the backbone of what could become a model of public-private cooperation in sports development, where national pride, youth empowerment, and elite sports coalesce.

For Dehring, it was about translating vision into actionable strategy. “CWI remains committed to working closely with all regional governments,” he said. His aim is to ensure that pathways for talent discovery and performance enhancement are robust, integrated, and reflective of the Caribbean's unique cultural and sporting landscape.

Jamaica’s Sporting Legacy: A Cricket Revival on the Cards

There’s a poetic rhythm to this revival. Jamaica has long been a sporting powerhouse from Usain Bolt on the track to Chris Gayle on the cricket field but cricket, in recent years, has lagged behind in infrastructure and institutional support. Sabina Park, once the pride of Caribbean cricket, saw a decline in international fixtures. But with the installation of new lights, the return of marquee Test matches, and a committed investment into youth development, the winds of change seem to be blowing.

This meeting might just be the tipping point. It signals a recognition at the highest levels of both government and cricket administration that if the West Indies is to return to its former glory, Jamaica must play a central role. With local heroes in the making, community cricket back on the rise, and renewed access to world-class venues, the pieces are aligning.